Annual conference boasts record attendance.

• Position: Fednor Update - Brief Article

More than 225 delegates from across the province gathered in Thunder Bay June 9-11, 2001, to participate in the annual conference of the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC). Aptly titled, Opening Doors to Community Futures, the three-day conference featured a blend of informative workshops, seminars, plenary sessions, and the OACFDC Annual General Meeting and Policy Forum.

The Conference was also the forum for several important announcements, simultaneously webcast during a live news conference, made by the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Secretary of State for Rural Development and FedNor. Mr. Mitchell announced the creation of a new investment pool that will provide Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northeastern Ontario with greater loan capacity. FedNor will contribute $150 000 to this pilot project with the Northeast CFDC Network.

"CFDCs are key partners in this government's efforts to strengthen local economies," says Mr. Mitchell. "Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. This initiative is an opportunity to help them flourish by improving their access to capital."

Mr. Mitchell also joined representatives of the OACFDC and FedNor to help launch a comprehensive marketing effort to improve the visibility and corporate image of CFDCs in Ontario. The Common Identifier Marketing Strategy was unveiled on the final day of the conference.

"This 'new look' will ensure CFDCs are easily identified no matter where they are located in the province," says Barb Fisher, Past-President of the OACFDC.

RELATED ARTICLE: Participation record au congres annuel.

Plus de 225 delegues de toute la province se sont rassembles a Thunder Bay, du 9 au 11 juin 2001, pour participer au congres annuel de l'Association des Societes d'aide au developpement des collectivites de l'Ontario (ASADCO). La conference de trois jours, intitulee * Ouvrons les portes...